Exercising apparatus for the feet



Sept. 23, 1924;

R. S. THOMPSON Filed Jan. '7 1924 2 I \,-,-;,2 =1 n 9 &0 4 6 5% 19 3 EH,

21 6 Ed I I 22 INVENITOR.

.S. Thompson,

BY M

ATTORNEY.

Sept. 23 1924. 1,509,793 I R.S.THOMPSON EXERCISING APPARATUS FOR THEFEET Filed Jan. '7, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mamm I INVENTOR. Q.S.Thompson,

A TTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 23, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RALPH S, THOMPSON, OI NEW YORK, N. Y.

EXEBCISING APPARATUS FOR THE FEET.

' Application filed January 7, 1924. Serial No. 684,817.

ing Apparatus for the Feet, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an exerclsing apparatus for the feet, and hasfor its object to provide an apparatus of such class, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, with means for strengthening, as well asrestoring to normal the inside muscles of the leg, especially the fiexorlongus muscles thereby overcoming fallen arches, flat feet and footpains.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of suchclass, in a manner as hereinafter referred to, with means wherebyselective action is attained on certain groups of muscles and withoutbringing into play the peroneal muscles which tend to roll the footoutward, while at the same time affording the widest range of action tothe anterior and posterior tibial muscles.

A further object of the invention is to provide an exercising apparatus,in a manner as hereinafter set forth, with means to constitute a pivotedtreadle carrying a cushion shaped to extend under the plantar arch torelieve the deformed foot of torture conse-. quent on any muscularaction while the parts are in mal-position, and further whereby thecushion acts to so locate the foot on the treadle that the ivot of thetreadle lies in the same vertica plane as the axis of rotation of theaxle joint.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth,

an exercising apparatus including means to constitute an adjustablespring controlled pivotal foot support having cooperating therewithmeans to cause the rotating of the foot about its longitudinal axis to adegree proportional to its flexion, and to provide for fiexion to be hadthroughout its maximum range without bringing into play the peronealmuscles which on contraction tend to roll the foot outward, at the sametime affording the widest range of action to the anterior and posteriortibial muscles to which they are capable. V

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, an exe cising apparatus for orthopedicalpurposes, more particularly for restoring fallen arches, and which issimple in its construction, strong, durable, thoroughly efiicient in itsuse, conveniently operated, read- 11 y assembled, and comparativelyinexpensive. I

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists ofthe novel construction, combination, and arrangement of' parts, ashereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention,but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modificationscan be resorted to which come within the scope of the claims hereuntoappended.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote correspondingparts throughout the several Views 1- Figure 1 is a top plan View of anexcercising apparatus in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section thereof.

Figure 3 is an end elevation showing the treadle. or foot support infull lines in normal position and in dotted lines in shifted position. i

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the guide element.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupling element between thetreadle or foot support and the guide.

An exercising apparatus, in accordance with this invention and for thepurpose referred to, comprises a base, a guide element v connectedtherewith, a cushioned treadle element, an adjustable tension applyingdevice for the treadle element, a coupling member between the treadleand guide ele ments, and means on the base to provide an adjustablepivotal support for the treadle element.

The base, which is indicated by the reference character 1, isrectangular in contour each is of substantial length and of semi- Thesections 4, 5 correspond in contour and oval shape. The rear end of eachof the sections is rounded and the forward end squared.

The section 5, which is constructed of any suitable material, preferablysponge rubber, has its upper face formed with a lengthwise extendingrecess or pocket v6, and with the inner face of eachof the walls of thepocket bevelled, as at 7. The pocket 6 is of substantial depth and isadapted to have the foot mounted therein when the apparatus is employed,and said pocket 6 is of a contour similar to the shape of the section 5.Extending from a point removed from the rear end of the pocket 6 andterminating at a point substantially at the transverse center of thepocket 6, is an arch support 8,-of the same material as that from whichthe section 5 is set up. The support 8 is of greater length than itswidth and further is arcuate in transverse and longitudinal section, andis of a height to extend above the walls of the pocket 6. The support 8extends under the plantar arch of the foot, when the apparatus isinuse,and relieves the deformed foot of torture consequent on any muscularaction while the parts are in mal-position. The support 8 functions tolocate the foot I on the section 5 so that the pivot of action of theapparatus will lie in the same vertical plane as the axis of rotation ofthe axle joint.

When the treadle element is mounted in position it projectsslightlyrearward of the rear end of the base 1 and terminates at a point removedfrom th forward end of the base. The'treadleelement when in normalposition is disposed at an angle with respect to the base 1.

' Secured to the forward end of the sections 4, 5 of the treadleelement, is a coupling element which consistsof an angle-shaped bodyportion 9, having the vertical part thereoef abutting against theforward termini of the sections 4, 5' and the horizontal part positionedagainst the lower face of the section 4. Hold-fast devices 10 areemployed for securing the body portion 9 to the treadle element and thesaid hold-fast devices are counter-sunk in and depend from the section4, as well as extending through the horizontal part of the body portion9. Each of the therewith a the lower face of the hold-fast devicesconsists of a bolt carrying on its lower end a nut which abuts againsthorizontal part of the body portion 9.

Formed integral with the vertical part of the body portion 9, as well asdepending therefrom, and also projecting forwardly therefrom, isan arm11 having connected pair of superposed forwardly projecting cylindricaldirecting protubertimes 12, 13 of substantial length. The protuberance12 is positioned in clos posit-ion to-the upper end, of the arm 11, andthe pro tuberance 13 is arranged in proximity to the lower end of thearm 11. The protuberances 12 and 13 extend in the same direction as thetreadle element.

The vertical part of the body portion 9 extends above the treadleelement to provide ,what may be termed a lip and which constito thetreadle element, or in other words it pivotally supports the treadleelement at a point between the transverse center and the rear endthereof. The said means which provides the pivotal support for thetreadle element consists of a tubular upright 14, which is interiorlythreaded and also provided at its lower end with lateral flanges 15,through which extend hold-fast devices 16 for fixedly securing thetubular member in position. Threadably engaging with the tubular member14 is a vertically adjustable peripherally threaded cylindrical stem 17,having its upper end formed with a spheri cal enlargement 18 seated in asocket forming member 19, which is secured to and depends from the lowerface of the section 4; of the treadle element. The spherical cnlargement18 in connection with the member 19 sets up what may be termed auniversal pivotfor the treadle element and which allows for the latterto pivot in any direction when pressure is applied thereto by the footof the user.

The adjustable ten-sioning device for the treadle element not onlyconstitutes a spring controlled means therefor, but also furtherprovides a resilient connection between the treadle element and thebase. The said adj ustable tensioning device for the treadle elementconsists of a coiled spring 20 of sub stantial length having its lowerend connected to an adjustable headed bolt 21, which extends downthrough the base 1 and carries an adjusting nut 22 9n its lower end. Thebolt 21 is positioned at the rear end of the base 1. The coil spring 20is disposed at an upward and rearward inclination with respect to thebase 1, and has its upperterminus of hook-like form, as at 23, forconnection with an eye bolt 24, which is countersunk in the section 4 ofthe treadle element and depends therefrom The spring 20 normallymaintains the treadle element at an inclination in the manner shown in Fi 2, and the tension of the spring 20 can adjusted when desired, throughthe medium of the nut 22. The spring 20 can also be adjusted whendesired, by vertically adjustin the stem 17 and for this purpose thestem 1 is provided with an opening 17 for the reception of a suitableinstrument or tool to enable the turning of the stem to adjust itvertically to the point desired.

The downward shifting of the forward portion of the treadle element ishad against the action of the spring 20, and When such movement of thetreadle element is had it pivots upon the globular head 18 of the stem17.

The guide element is arranged at the forward end of the base 1 and itconsists of a rectangular base plate 25 positioned to extendtransversely with respect to the forward end of the base 1. The baseplate 25 extends from a point slightly from one side of the longitudinalcenter of the base 1 to the other side of the longitudinal center of thebase 1, and in proximity to one side of said base. The base plate 25:has a lug 26 which engages-in the base 1 and said plate is formed with asocket 27 having a threaded wall with which engages the threaded shank28 of a set screw 29. The shank 28 extends. up through the base 1 andengages the threaded wall of the socket 27. Carried by the screw 29 is awasher 30, which is ar is a vertically disposed curved arm 32 ofsubstantial length. The arm 32 is provided with an elongated curved slot33, which corresponds in curvature to the curvature of the arm. "Thecurvature of the arm is such that the vertical center of the base willbe pierced by the center line of the slot 33 at the mid-point of thelatter, and this arrangement is provided to minimize the disof thedrawings. The protuberance 12 limits;

the upward movement of the treadle element, and the protuberance 13, thelowering movement of the treadle element.

Connected to the treadle element, that is the section 4 thereof, is astrap 34 for securing the foot to the treadle element. The strap 34 isarranged at the transverse cen ter of the treadle element.

The guide element is reversible so that the apparatus can be employedfor either foot, and for such purpose the base 1, is provided with apair of sockets 35, 36 and one of which is adapted to receive the lug26. As

illustrated, the exercising apparatus is shown as set up for use inconnection with the right foot but if it is desired to be used for theleft foot, the set screw 31 is released and the base plate 25 swungaround, and the lug 26 positioned in the socket 35. By setting up theguide element in the manner as stated, it permits of the apparatus beingused for either foot.

The support 8-, which is an integral part of the section 5 of thetreadle element, in connection with said section 5, provides a softrubber cushion upon which the foot rests. The section 5 is designed fortwo purposes, one to cushion the foot and thereby relieve and soften thestrain upon the muscles of the foot while the apparatus is being used,and the other, owing to the enlargement or support 8, the said support 8is positioned underneath the arch of the foot which acts to massage andknead the muscles of the foot at the same time that the exercise isstrengthening the muscles of the leg.

The contour of the section 5, of the treadle element, so locates thefoot that the pivotal point of the treadle is-positioned in anapproximate vertical line with the axis of rotation of the ankle joint.Consequently the foot is so guided in active flexion that selectiveaction of the muscles is had, and the tibial group which areinstrumental in supporting the plantar arch, are given the maximum ofactivity, while the peroneal group are left relatively in repose.

Owing to the manner in which the several elements of the apparatus areset up, an outstanding feature is that it provides for a selectiveaction" on certain groups of muscles, which is the fundamental basis ofany orthopedically corrective exerciser. This selection is accomplishedby means of the curved guide at the front end which rotates the footabout its longitudinal axis to a degree proportional to its flexion,thus permitting fiexion'to be had throughout the maximum range withoutbringing into play the peroneal muscles on contraction of which tend toroll the foot outward, while afi'ording at the same time the widestrange of actionto the anterior and posterior tibial muscles of whichthey are capable. Further, as an aid to this action, the position of thefoot is controlled on the treadle element by the form of section 5 ofsaid element which relieves the deformed foot of torture consequent ofany muscular action while the parts are in mal-position.

. It is thought that the manner of operating the device can be readilyunderstood in view of the foregoing description taken in connection withthe illustrations, but it will be stated that the foot is strapped tothe treadle element and the party using the apparatus depresses thetreadle element, and

which rotates the foot about its longitudinal axis to a degreeproportionalto its fiexion, and the user will oscillate and rotate thetreadle element for any period oftime desired, preferably from five toten minutes a day and by exercising the foot by the appa leg muscles, assuch muscles receive the and very exercise they need to make them strongvigorous. As the foot descends it is swung inward still further whichaffords additlonalexercise to the inside leg muscles. When pressure isrelieved upon the treadle element it moves upwardly to the positionshown in Figure 2. The foregoing operation is repeated as many times asdesired. So highly concentrated is this exercise that it requires just afew minutes a day, yet the results in strengthening the arches are hadvery quickly.

By quickly rebuilding the strained, weakened muscles on the inside ofthe calves of the legs without exercising the outside muscles, thefallen arch is drawn into proper position. This almost immediatelyrelieves that unnaturalstrain and pressure that causes foot pains.

It is thought -that the many advantages of an exercisingapparatus forthe purpose set forth as herembefore referred to, can be readilyunderstood, and although the preferred embodiment of the invention is asillustrated and described, yet it is to be understood that changes inthe details of construction can be had which will fall within the lightof the invention as claimed.

What I claim is 1. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formedof a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided withinherent means to constitute an arch support. 2. In an exercisingapparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lowersection and a resilient upper section provided with inherent means toconstitute an arch support.

3. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lowersection and a resilient upper section provided with resilient inherentmeans to constitute an arch support.

4. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formedof a rigid lower-section and a resilient upper section provided withresilient inherent means to constitute an arch support.

5. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lowersection and a resllient upper section provided with a lengthwiseextending pocket having its hottom formed with inherent means toconstitute an arch support.

6. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formedof a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with alengthwise extending pocket having its bottom formed with inherent meansto constitute. an arch support.

In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lowersection and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwiseextending pocket having its bottom formed with resilient inherent meansto constitute an arch support.

8. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formedof a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with alengthwise extending pocket havingits bottom formed with a resilientinherent means to constitute an arch support.

9. In an exercising apparatus a treadl element formed of a rigid lowersection and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwiseextending pocket having its bot tom formed with resilient inherent meansto c nstitute an arch support, and means for adjus ing the tension ofthe controlling spring for said element.

10. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle elementformed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section providedwith a lengthwise extending pocket having its bottom formed with aresilient inherent means to constitute an arch support, and means foradjusting the tension of the controlling spring for said element.

11. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled. treadle element,means to provide for the shifting of said element on its transverse andlongitudinal axis on the application of pressure thereto, means forimparting to said element an arcuate movement when shifted, and meansfor adjusting the tension of the controlling spring for said element.

12. Inan exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle elementprovided with an arch support, adjustable means to provide for theshifting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis on theapplication of pressure thereto, and means for imparting to said elementan arcuate movement when shifted.

13. An exercising apparatus comprisin a treadle element, a supporttherefor, sai support including a globular head connected with andengaging said element at 1 point between its transverse center and rearend and providing means for the shifting of said element on itstransverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, acontrolling spring for said element connected to the rear end thereof,and

- support including a globular head connected with and engaging saidelement at a point between its transverse center and rear end andproviding means for the shifting of said element on its transverse andlongitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, a controlling springfor said element connected to the rear end thereof, and means arrangedat the forward end of said element for imparting an arcuate movementthereto when shifted on its transverse and longitudinal axis, saidsupport including means for vertically adjusting said head.

15. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a supporttherefor, said support including a globular head connected with andengaging said element at a point between its-transverse center and rearend and providing means for the shifting of said elementon itstransverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, acontrolling spring for said element connected to the rear end thereof,and means arranged at the forward end of said element for imparting anarcuate movement thereto when shifted on its transverse and longitudinalaxis, said support including means for vertically adjusting said head,means for adjusting the tension of said spring.

16. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a supporttherefor, said support including a globular head connected with andengaging said element at a point -means carried by the forward end ofsaid treadle element travelling in said slot for imparting to saidelement an arcuate movement when shifted on its transverse and lon- Igitudinal axis.

v 17. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a supporttherefor, said support including a globular head connected with andengaging said element at a point between its transverse center and rearend and providing means for the shifting of said its transverse saidtreadle element and travelling in said slot for imparting to saidtreadle element an arcuate movement when shifted on its transverse andlongitudinal axis.

18. An exercising apparatus comprising an eccentrically fulcrumed springcontrolled treadle element provided with a resilient arch support, areversible guide element arranged forwardly of the treadle element andprovided with means for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadleelement when the latter is shifted, and means projecting forwardly fromthe forward end of the treadle element and extending in the means of theguide element for directing the movement of the treadle element in anarcuate path.

19. An exercising apparatus comprising an eccentrically fulcrumed springcontrolled treadle element provided with a resilient arch support, aguide element arranged forwardly of the treadle element and providedwith means for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle element whenthe latter is shifted, and means projecting forwardly from the forwardend of the treadle element an extending in the means of the guideelement for directing the movement of the treadle element in an arcuatepath.

20. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement, a vertically disposed guide element formed with an arcuate slothaving its upper end disposed in alignment with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the treadle element and its lower end offset withrespect to said axis, direction means carried by the treadle element andengaging in said slot for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadlewhen shifted, and supporting means to provide for the shifting of thetreadle element on its transverse and longitudinal axis.

21. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement, a vertically' disposed guide element formed with an arcuateslot having its upper end disposed in alignment with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the treadle element and its lower end offset withrespect to said axis,'

spring controlled treadle element, a verti cally disposed guide elementformed with an arcuate slot having its upper end disposed in alignmentwith respect to the longitudinal axis of the treadle element and itslower end offset with respectto said axis, di-

rection means carried by the treadle element 7 and engaging in said slotfor imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle when shifted,supporting means to provide for the shifting of the treadle element onits transverse and longitudinal axis, and means to provide forincreasing or decreasing the tension of the controlling spring for saidtreadle element. v

23. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement provided with a foot cushion formed with an inherent archsupport, a treadle element support having means to provide for thepivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis whenpressure is applied thereto, and means for imparting an arcuate movementto said element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis.

24. An exercising apparatus comprising a base, a treadle elementarranged thereover and pivoted on its transverse and longitudinal axis,a support mounted on the base and providing a pivot for said element, acontrolling spring between the rear end of said element and the rear endof the base. a. vertically disposed guide element carried at the forwardend of the baseand provided with an arcuate slot, and a 'oupling elementprojecting from the forward end of the treadle element and extendinginto said slot to impart an arcuate movement to the pressure is appliedtreadle element when thereto. v

25. An exercising apparatus comprising a base, a treadle elementarranged thereover and pivoted on its transverse and longitudinal axis,a support mounted on the base and providing a pivot for said element, acontrolling spring between the rear end of said element and the rear endof the base, a vertically disposed guide element carried at the forwardend of the base-and provided with an arcuate slot, and a couplingelement projecting from the forward end of the treadle elementand-extending into said slot to impart an arcuate movement to thetreadle element when pressure is applied thereto, said support havingmeans to permit of the vertical adjustment thereof.

26. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement provi ed with a foot cushion formed with an inherentarchsupport, a treadle element support having means to provide for thepivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis whenpressure is applied thereto, means for impartlng an arcuate movement tosaid element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis, andsaid guide element having means to permit of the reversal thereof.

27 An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement provided with a foot cushion formed with an inherent archsupport, a treadle element support having means to provide for thepivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis whenpressure is applied thereto, means for imparting an arcuate movement tosaid element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis, andmeans to provide for increasing or decreasing the tension of saidcontrolling spring.

28. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis and moving inan arcuate path when pressure is applied thereto, a support providing apivot for said element, and a reversible guide element for and arrangedforwardly of the treadle element and further having the forward end ofthe treadle element slidably connected therewith.

29. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement, and means to provide for the pivoting of said element on itstransverse and longitudinal axis and further for moving it in an arcuatepath when pressure is applied thereto, said means including a guard atthe forward end of the treadle element.

30. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadleelement ivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis and moving in anarcuate path when pressure is apphed thereto, a support providing thepivot for said element, a guide element, and a coupling element providedwith means extending into said guide element for directing said treadleelement in an arcuate path, said coupling element provided with means toconstitute a guard for the forward end of said treadle element.

31. An exercising apparatus comprisin a spring controlled treadleelement pivotin on its transverse and longitudinal axis an moving in anarcuate path when pressure is applied thereto, a support providing thepivot for said element, a guide element, and a coupling element providedwith means extending into said guide element for directin said treadleelement in an arcuate path, said coupling element provided with means toconstitute a guard for the forward end of said treadle element, and saidguide element having means to rovide for the reversing thereof wherebytiie treadle element can be employed for the right or left foot.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto.

RALPH S. THOMPSON.

